An alligator patrols the pond at the 17th green in 2008. Jake Roth, for USA TODAY

Tiger Woods celebrates after rolling in a long birdie putt at No. 17 on his way to victory in 2001. The "better than most" putt. Harry How, Getty Images

Paul Goydos watches the players on the green during the 2008 Players Championship. Goydos lost in a playoff to Sergio Garcia ... after knocking his tee shot into the water on 17. Scott Halleran, Getty Images

Pete Dye designed TPC Sawgrass, including the diabolical 17th hole. The idea was his wife's. Scott Halleran, Getty Images

This graphic from PGA Tour ShotLink shows where the shots have landed since 2003. PGA Tour ShotLink